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Brown-Leaves-on-Prayer-Plant.jpg

Brown Leaves on Prayer Plant

I was recently given a prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura).  It was very full and beautiful.  Now the bottom leaves look okay with some withering at the edges, but all the inside and top leaves are withered and brown.  I do notice new sprouting.  What should I do?

Start by adjusting your watering schedule and techniques.  Too much or not enough water can cause the symptoms you describe.  Water the plant thoroughly so the excess water drains out the bottom.  Water again when the top few inches are only slightly damp.  Do not let the pot sit in excess water that collects in the saucer.  Place a few pebbles in the saucer to collect the excess water, keep pot elevated above the water and increase the humidity around the plant.  Keep the soil slightly moist, use distilled water, rain water or water from the dehumidifier to reduce brown edges caused by chlorine and fluoride in the tap water.  Trim off the brown leaf edges to improve the appearance. 

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